by Vivienne Nicoll© The Herald
Originally published: 22.08.2008

Hundreds of luxury homes are planned on the site of a college campus in the West End of Glasgow.

Up to 364 townhouses and luxury apartments look likely to be built on Strathclyde University's Jordanhill site.

And plans for a second train station in the community - Jordanhill West - could finally get the go ahead as a result.

Strathclyde University announced in 2006 it was creating a single city centre complex as part of a £300million investment plan - making its 41-acre Jordanhill campus redundant.

A masterplan for the area was drawn up and this week details were finally revealed to city councillors for the first time.

Development and regeneration executive director Steve Inch said in a report the university plans to put the campus up for sale this autumn.

The preferred developer is expected to be chosen early next year and would take over the site in summer 2011.

Built in six phases, it is expected 173 townhouses, duplexes, semi-detached and detached homes would be built along with 74 new-build flats and 117 flats created in existing buildings on site.

The David Stow building, Douglas House and Graham House, which are all regarded as of considerable or moderate significance, would all be converted into flats.

More than half of the existing land would be kept for green space for the new housing and the wider public.

Partick West councillor Aileen Colleran has given a cautious welcome to the plans.

She said: "The devil is in the detail.

"I would give the scheme a cautious welcome but would want to see more detail."

Ms Colleran said the university had consulted local people widely on their plans for the land and added: "I hope the level of consultation with the community continues.

"The impact on traffic is a very big concern and local people hope the playing fields will still be available for school and community use."

Consultants have said a new railway station at Jordanhill West would cut traffic by around 5% and have recommended the developer contributes £1200 for every house built towards the cost.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport want to build a new station but Network Rail and Transport Scotland have, in the past, questioned the need for it.

SPT chairman Alistair Watson said he welcomed the possible cash donation towards a new station.

He said: "Because of this development we will certainly compile a report on the potential of a new station."